Do not overexert yourself when shoveling snow or stay outdoors for long periods of time. Photo credit: Extension Disaster Education Network

Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech has a number of tips to help people prepare for the winter and keep their families, property, and animals safe.

El Niño is coming and this year the warming of the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean will likely affect the mid-Atlantic states to a degree not seen in 20 years. This has the potential to bring a wetter than normal winter for Virginia, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Temperatures in Virginia are projected to be close to normal along with other mid-Atlantic states. Because of the projected increase in precipitation, however, Virginia is vulnerable to significant winter conditions such as snow and ice this year.